Teachers

The following information should answer any questions you have about preparing for your trip, your role while you are here, and other details of our program. If you find anything unclear after reading through the packet, please contact us. We want your trip to go smoothly and be the best possible experience for you and your students.

Any participant cancellations need to be made three weeks prior to school visit. Any participant cancellation after the three week deadline will be charged 25% of the Driftwood fee and 100% of the Cumberland Island ticket fee.

I. Teacher's Role:

Teachers are required to be present at all times throughout the trip. Adult supervision is necessary, either by teachers or parent chaperones, during all classes, meals, free time, and at night in the cabins. During the classes, teachers and chaperones are encouraged to participate in the activities, rather than stand back and watch.

A few important policies of Driftwood that need to be communicated to all teachers and chaperones participating on the field trip are as follows:

1. Driftwood Education Center reserves the right to send a student home for extreme discipline problems (fighting, vandalism, violence, etc.) or for illness.

2. No alcohol is permitted.

3. Smoking is allowed outside and away from students, with the proper disposal of cigarette butts.

4. The swimming pool on property is off limits.

5. Vending machines should only be used after 9 p.m. with the head teacher's permission.

6. An adult must always accompany children.

Epworth also has a gift shop in the lobby. The number of students allowed in the gift shop at any given time is five.

In the event of an emergency, contact the Driftwood Education Center Director. They should be informed of all injuries or illnesses immediately. (912) 638-3849

Checklist for Driftwood Trip

1. One year out book trip dates:

Send in: _____ Reservation for Facility Use form

2. Seven months prior to trip

_____Inform us if you would like a Cumberland Island day trip with approximate students and adult numbers (no assurance is given)

3. Two months prior to trip

Send in: _____20% non-refundable deposit

_____Inform us if you would like an additional field trip

_____Curriculum request form (*let us know as early as possible for field trip reservations)

4. Three weeks in advance

_____Call in final participant numbers (After this point a 25% deposit will be kept for every person that does not show.)

**We must know as soon as possible of any changes in group size for Cumberland Island field trip reservations. We will do our best to accommodate changes, but we cannot make guarantees.**

5. One week in advance have students make nametags. Also, go over what to bring, what not to bring, and expectations for the trip. Please note that arrival lunches can be served no later 2 p.m.

Please bring us the medical forms and check to see that they are signed so students may participate. We also need you to send us the Reservation for Facility Use with accurate participant numbers to inform our kitchen and reserve cabin space, and send the Curriculum Request sheet and Program Goals sheet so we can design your schedule.

We have Pre and Post Activities to download to enhance our curriculum. Please look at the programs you are taking and then you can download the corresponding activity for your students. This is a voluntary choice.

Please call or email to receive the Answer Key. Because of some tech savy students, we no longer have them on the website.

III. Chaperone Preparation:

To help your chaperones know what to expect and what is expected of them, we have a packet designed specifically for them. We strongly recommend you have a chaperone meeting to ensure all chaperones understand their vital role.

A number of steps can be taken to prepare your students ahead of time for their visit. You might want to discuss social issues like table manners, dorm rules, and proper behavior, as these things will make their learning experience more profitable. Building a background of vocabulary pertaining to marine biology may be helpful to your students.

Make sure to send home the parent information early. Signed medical forms and permission slips need to be returned to you well in advance. Please send us the medical forms, and check to see that they are signed so students may participate. We also need you to send us the Reservation for Facility Use with accurate participant numbers to inform our kitchen and reserve cabin space, and send the Curriculum Request sheet and Program Goals sheet so we can design your schedule. If you choose field trips, make these reservations well in advance. Cumberland Island trips will require seven months notice or no assurances can be given. We also recommend you have a chaperone meeting to explain their role and answer their questions before they arrive.